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Sexual Abuse in CAR

31.03.2016 – The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein has described the latest allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation in the Kemo prefecture of the Central African Republic as "sickening."

According to Zeid, major efforts were already underway to investigate allegations uncovered by a series of UN teams sent to the region over the past two weeks.

"The UN investigation into these sickening allegations, which suggest sexual abuse and exploitation of a large number of women and girls, must leave no stone unturned," Zeid said. "We are taking these allegations – some of which are particularly odious -- extremely seriously. It is vital that the victims are protected and receive all necessary care."

Most of the allegations relate to Burundian and Gabonese contingents present in the Kemo region between 2013 and 2015, as well as to the separate French Sangaris force stationed in the same region in the same period. Allegations of abuse in other parts of the country are also continuing to be investigated.

The authorities of all three countries have been formally notified of the allegations against their troops.

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